For years I have been wanting to create my own teacher website. I have not done it because I had no idea where to begin. For that reason, I forced myself to make it happen by committing to creating a Google Site for my course research project.
In looking for research, advice and guidance on the topic I discovered a great article by Evan Stoudt on EdSurge.com titled, “How to Expertly Organize Your Classroom With Google Sites.” He had me at “organize.” I love to organize my actual classroom, but my digital content is a hot mess. I never know where to find things. I have made too many changes with content storage in such a short amount of time, because regarding all things with technology, we have been trained to follow the next big thing like kids running after the ice cream truck. I have zip drives with folders, hard drive folders, Google drive folders, Schoology folders, archived Google Classrooms and desktop bookmarks with resources that I use all the time. If someone should ask me for the answer key to a crossword puzzle on nutrition vocabulary, I might need a half an hour but I will eventually find it. I know I have it somewhere….on that computer of mine. If Stoudt can help me to organize the mess, sign me up!
Stoudt also provides just the argument that I need to hear about why to use Google Sites over other options. He says, “there are likely better tools out there, but I chose Google because I’m a time-strapped teacher, and Google Sites are simple, easy to integrate, and full-featured.” I really relate with that sentiment. I do not want to learn web coding or spend hours teaching myself how to build a teacher website out of nothing. In order for me to feel like I can make this happen, it needs to be pretty basic and easy to figure out on my own.
In addition, Stoudt provides great tips for how to import Google calendar, use analytics and select a template. His article provides encouragement and guidance that make me confident that I can do this!
Source:
How to Expertly Organize Your Classroom With Google Sites – EdSurge News. (2015, July 8). Retrieved June 15, 2020, from https://www.edsurge.com/news/2015-07-08-how-to-expertly-organize-your-classroom-with-google-sites
My Two Cents by Kim Barndt 
Sounds like a great resource to get all those file in order! 🙂
Becky
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I do not have any previous experience with Google Sites other than what I have learned in this course. I do wish to learn more about this tool, as you do, for my profession. It certainly sounds as if you have a great plan to use Google Sites to organize your digital content for your classroom. This will mean you have one place to retrieve all of your information rather than fumbling through multiple areas for documents. I can appreciate why you chose a Google tool due to its ease. Google Sites has a slight disadvantage if you wish to go beyond the Google Apps. It will not allow you to use anything other than Google Apps. If you plan to stay within Google, this will not be problematic. This is important due to the lack of time we have as educators. I hope this tool gets you organized and saves you time!
Dana
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